*****

Bebookwaadaagame-Giizis
(Broken Snowshoe Moon) / March 1995

Beth Gilgun's Tidings from the 18th Century is one of the most useful historic reenactment books on the market. Published by the folks who bring us the Book of Buckskinning series, this book aims more at the domestic side of period living. Written in the form of letters from a family living on the New York frontier near Albany the book makes the past accessible and vibrant.

The book is heavy on period clothing including patterns, discussions on appropriate fabrics, and techniques. Each chapter has extensive listings of resources and references.

Topics covered include: basic sewing; clothing for women, men and children; money in the colonies; quill pens; kitchen ware; games; beer making; jewelry; camp cooking; making a rope bed and much more.

Tidings is published by Rebel Publishing Rte 5 Box 347-M, Texarkana, TX 75501; price is $24.95

Meet John Kavanagh-Beltman, wood worker, husband to Twitch, father of wee Mary Lou, and possessor of a split persona(lity). John presents Mr. Kavanagh, the post clerk, and Jean Pierre Charbeau, "the world famous voyageur."

Originally from Anoka, John caught the voyageur urge when he joined the Northland College (Ashland, WI) Voyageurs. Several years later he found himself competing in the canoe race at White Oak's first Rendezvous. Soon after he began interpreting at the Post becoming a indispensable member of the Norwesters and the Society.

John also is part of a loosely knit group known as "Chien Rude" (rude dog). They do events such as Ely's winter festival where they set up an encampment, host a dance, and tell stories. He also continues his interpretation for Anoka County Parks.

Both of his persona share a bit of his own character, but he tries to make them distinct. Physically, he is better suited to be the clerk but the allure of being a voyageur is strong.

John does historical research to im-prove his characters. That, and lots of on-the-job training, is the basis for his work as interpreter.

Although he likes working with the public, perhaps the best times are when the interpreters are by themselves at the Post, interacting as historical characters. Adults playing kids' game. Two eras, two persona, one John Kavanagh-Beltman.

In 1993 White Oak built the Gil Quall Nature Trail to help introduce people to the plants of northern Minnesota, especially those useful to Ojibwe and the people of the fur trade era.

Roughly a mile long, the trail winds around the Ersatz River traversing a variety of habitats — open marsh, cedar bog, field, spruce-fir woods and upland aspen and balsam woods. The trail was designed by Gil Quall who is one Minnesota's foremost authorities on the outdoors concerning wild edible plants and their uses for human sustenance and survival. Funding came from the Itasca County Trails Task Force.

Although much of the trail is a true hiking trail, the first half, which starts near the Post's entrance stage, is accessible by people in wheelchairs. The trail is open free to the public throughout the year.

In keeping with the fur trade spirit, plants are identified with tri-lingual signs (Ojibwe, French and English). Several are:

Wiigwaasi–mitig / bouleu / birch – bark used for canoes, containers, fire starting;
Zesab / ortie / nettle – flavoring; fiber for twine;
Azaadi / puplier, tremble / aspen – fuel, inner cambium as salve for wounds, food.

Future columns will detail trail plants describing their features, habitat, and historic and current uses. This knowledge should make us better reenactors and give us a greater appreciation of the world around us so that we may keep it healthy for future generations.

Sturgeon ("name" or "numae") are considered one of the teaching fish according to Ojibwe culture and legend.

"To represent the noble vocation of teaching, the fishes were chosen as emblems. Fishes are hidden behind rocks, live unseen in the dark depths, but remain steadfast in the swirling current." Basil Johnston, Ojibway Heritage.

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